There was a time when I had three quarterbacks mocked to go in the first five selections of this draft.

After far too many weeks to overthink the process, I now only have one QB going in the top five. I am not alone in this line of thinking. Plenty of other mockers have gone this route, as indications and offseason transactions have pointed toward franchises with top picks passing on quarterbacks in the first round.

At any rate, first round will no longer be a mystery after Thursday. In the meantime, here is my final attempt at predicting how it will play out.

The Texans would definitely benefit from identifying their quarterback of the future, but there isn't one who makes it worth passing on an elite defensive talent.

JadeveonClowney is widely speculated as the No. 1 pick, but unless the Texans trade this pick, that's not going to happen. I don't see any team ponying up the kind of value the Texans would need to move down. That will leave them to make this high-profile selection.

Mack is a far better option for the Texans, who run a 3-4. Mack is an excellent prospect as a pass-rusher and an all-around linebacker. He will fit right in with the Texans, and, most importantly, he naturally pairs well with J.J. Watt.

Clowney is the most exciting prospect in this draft, but he is not as good a fit for the Texans as Mack is.

Johnny Manziel is the most polarizing figure in this draft. Even his dissenters have to agree, however, that his mix of arm talent and instincts make him exciting prospect.

The Browns have had absolutely no luck drafting and developing quarterbacks, but that won't keep them from taking a chance on this exciting talent.

5. Oakland Raiders: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

I wouldn't be shocked to see the Raiders draft left tackle Jake Matthews in this scenario, but I'm leaning toward Sammy Watkins.

The Raiders have competent young receivers, but neither Rod Streater nor Denarius Moore is a true No. 1.

Watkins is that type of talent. He does not have elite size at 6'1", but he has everything else. Watkins is a threat to get deep or catch short passes and take them to the house.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

For all of the speculation about the Atlanta Falcons trading up and drafting JadeveonClowney, it makes far more sense for them to not give up that kind of value and grab one of the supremely talented left tackles instead.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

Which QB will have the best NFL career?

ManzielBorltesBridgewaterSubmit Votevote to see results

Which QB will have the best NFL career?

Manziel

31.5%

Borltes

47.2%

Bridgewater

21.3%

Total votes: 89

The slide of the quarterbacks in this draft works out well for the Buccaneers. Mike Glennon was not without hope in his rookie season, but he also wasn't overwhelming.

With new head coach Lovie Smith taking over Tampa Bay, it is natural for the new regime to look for its quarterback of the future.

Bortles has all the tools to be that guy.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

The journey of Teddy Bridgewater's draft stock has been fascinating. He was widely mocked as the No. 1 overall pick at the end of the college football season, but that status is now long gone.

In the end, he won't slip past the Vikings. Minnesota must find a quarterback to build around, and Bridgewater's game film will be too much for the Vikings to pass on.

9. Buffalo Bills: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The Bills could definitely stand to identify their left tackle of the future. In this scenario, Taylor Lewan is the best option to fill that need.

He is already a polished pass-blocker and a phenomenal athlete.

10. Detroit Lions: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

The Lions need a heady and steady linebacker to help bring consistency to their defense. Mosley is a great fit. He is coming out of a 3-4 at Alabama, but he has the athleticism to handle the increased space he will have to cover in a 4-3.

Anthony Barr is a freakish athlete. He is raw, but his potential as a pass-rusher is undeniable. The Titans need the athleticism on the edge of their defense, and Barr's ability to get to the passer will be an instant upgrade.

12. New York Giants: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

Eric Ebron is an exciting talent with a great size/speed ratio. He will stretch the field and preoccupy safeties.

That will allow the team's aerial attack to find more space on the outside.

With two picks in the top 13, the Rams are in a great position in this draft.

One of their biggest needs is at wide receiver. They spent a top-10 pick on receiver Tavon Austin last year, and while he showed flashes of dominance, he is not a complete enough receiver to be a No. 1.

It wouldn't be shocking to see the Rams draft Watkins at No. 2. Given the depth at the receiver position, however, they will wait to address that need at No. 13.

Mike Evans is an excellent prospect. He has height at 6'5", solid explosiveness and great hands, and he is a great counterpart to Austin.

14. Chicago Bears: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

The Chicago Bears need toughness and muscle in the trenches. Timmy Jernigan may not be as explosive as fellow defensive tackle Aaron Donald, but he will be a force in clogging up running lanes.

The Cowboys need a safety to help them limit big plays from the opposition. Calvin Pryor is the most complete safety in this class. He is a ready tackler in the run game, and he has the athleticism to be solid in a deep zone or in man coverage.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Zack Martin, OT/OG, Notre Dame

Zack Martin may not have the length to stick at tackle in the NFL, but he will be able to slide inside to guard and be excellent.

Either way, he will be a benefit to the Ravens.

18. New York Jets: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

Odell Beckham Jr. has the speed to get deep and stretch the field. The Jets need playmakers, and having one who will stretch out a defense will be a big boost to the offense.